This is a widely held belief in certain circles that sharing custody a pet after a breakup is ill-advised. The consensus suggests such arrangements impede ex-partners from moving forward, lead to scheduling chaos, fuel disputes, and are a nuisance across the board. Seemingly, and in a twist suited to a direct-to-platform film, it also makes the dogs themselves to experience sadness.
Not to downplay the inner life of dogs – many owners observe their profound sensitivity. If you need standout portrayal in canine melancholy, one need only look another performance. There is little doubt that a dog like Merv, a spirited little dog portrayed by the canine actor Gus, would struggle adjusting to divided living arrangements. Whether this premise a feature-length romcom on this conflict holds water is a questionable prospect.Standard Holiday Fare
Fairness demands noting, Merv, crafted by the writing duo and directed by Jessica Swale, doesn't pretend to be deeper than its premise. It functions as a seasonal offering from a major tech-and-media conglomerate – the depth are modest. Its storyline is destined to be straightforward: exes Russ (Charlie Cox) and Anna, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, confronting that their post-breakup gloom is rivaled only by their dog's, embark on a therapeutic trip to a dog-friendly resort. Once there, as expected, they will undoubtedly stumble toward the idea that they belong with each other. Ensemble players – featuring Chris Redd, Jasmine Mathews, and others – are crafted as the usual assortment of types. The film's look carries the feel of a branded content, with a wintry atmosphere that is clearly manufactured – exemplified by obvious snow effects piled on verdant foliage as a warm climate stands in for a wintery Boston.
The Dog's Domain
Whether these standard ingredients merge into a pleasant experience hinges on the strength of the performances and one's taste for easy entertainment. For the comfort factor, Merv targets a specific viewer – individuals who scroll endlessly for pet content. The film delivers a series of adorable dog montages. The central draw is the canine star, and while this leads to some clunky cuts between what the dog does and the actors' responses, the movie delivers on walking sequences, dog depression, and, in the end, pure puppy happiness.
The Human Element
This level of success does not extend for the interpersonal drama. The film's approach shifts uneasily between serious study, zany antics, standard rom-com beats, and outright slapstick, not quite landing any one mode. No blame falls on Cox's performance, who is willing to embrace the silliness and cringe required by the bizarre setting. His performance contains a likable self-deprecation that provides the bulk of the chemistry for this seemingly ideal couple. Anna's portrayer, true to her usual style, imparts a particular brand of eccentricity that will be to your taste or not. Her Anna comes across as a little too aloof, notably when paired with Cox's heartfelt sincerity. (On another note, Gus the Dog manages acting depressed – he may not be a canine thespian of that caliber, he is still a scene-stealer.)
Merv tries to provide depth to Anna and Russ's relationship for scenes without their pet – a regrettable choice, given that Merv is undoubtedly the cutest element of this feel-good picture. Unsurprisingly, it just about gets by. The cause for their separation would feel more nuanced with less exposition and fewer direct statements. In the end, Merv is light and sugary, fulfilling every expected note. Making a film about dog co-parenting isn't a bad idea – but it's hardly a stroke of genius.
- Merv premieres on the Amazon platform on December 10th.
